The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a graduate admissions entrance exam designed specifically for students who want to go to graduate school for business. The GMAT is primarily a test of your analytical and quantitative reasoning skills, tested in a time-limited format.
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GMAT Test Section
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Time
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Numbers of problems
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What's Tested
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Score Range
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Verbal
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45 minutes
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21
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Fractions, percents, and ratios
Algebra
Statistics
Story problems
Number properties
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60 to 90 in 1-point increments
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Quant
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45 minutes
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23
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Data Insights
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60 to 90 in 1-point increments
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Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections)
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45 minutes
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20
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All quant skills
All verbal skills
Data analysis
Logical reasoning
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60 to 90 in 1-point increments
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Top-10 MBA programs typically have mean or median scores in the 645 to 695 range. If you’re considering a top-10 program, set a goal of 645 or higher on the GMAT—but if you don’t achieve that level, you can still apply to the school. You’ll just need to take extra care on other parts of your application.
The GMAT exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (with one optional 10-minute break) and consists of 64 total questions. The GMAT also allows 1.5x and 2x timing for those who meet the accommodations criteria. It is recommended that you arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before your exam.
The GMAT is administered year-round in two formats: in-person at a testing center and online. During popular testing times, seats in testing centers can be limited; you’ll have a lot more flexibility taking the GMAT Online, which offers testing appointments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You can take the GMAT up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days) and up to eight total times, regardless of testing format. Within one format, you must wait 16 days to retake the exam. For example, if you take the GMAT Online, you will need to wait 16 days before you take the GMAT Online again. There is no waiting period if you switch formats.